Alchemy Unfolding

An hour later, good to his word, he pulls up outside my apartment. 

“This is a nice area, Addy.”

“I like your cottage better.”

Josh turns partway in his seat, leaning back against the door and offering up a smile that upends my equilibrium. “You can't beat the location. So, what are your plans for the rest of the day?”

I stretch in the seat as the effects of the coffee begin to wear off. “Sleep. Well, a shower and then sleep. More like passing out for the next several hours. I have to work tonight.”

“Ah, the dreaded overnight shift.”

“Yeah. It's fine, though. I work with a terrific bunch of people.” I'm not sure what to do now. I'm stalling, but I get the impression he isn't in a rush to kick me out of the vehicle. I wish I possessed some level of moxie to ask for his number, but I don't think he and I run in the same social circles. “What are you doing for the rest of the day?”

“I'm headed up the coast with a few buddies.”

“Looking for bombs?” I inquire, using the surfing term I learned from Sean.

Josh laughs, ruffling my hair. “Are you a surfer?”

I return the giggle. “No. Sadly, that's the only term I know.”

His hand slides along my hair, his fingertips brushing my neck, and another wave of sparks rush through my body. “We'll have to change that, Addy. Surfing is an institution out here.”

“I'm not that brave. Or graceful. It wouldn't be pretty.” Trying to maintain a regular breathing pattern is damn near impossible with his hands anywhere near my body. With any part of him anywhere near me. What is wrong with me? I've regressed to a bumbling high school student.

“I beg to differ.” His mobile rings, breaking into the moment. He glances at the number and shakes his head, his damp blonde hair curling around his shoulders. “My friends are wondering where the hell I am.”

I grab the door handle. That's my cue. “I won’t keep you then. Thanks for everything, Josh.” I jump out of the vehicle with the speed of a gazelle, somehow managing to remain upright on my torture devices. 

“You don't have to run off.”

I lean in the open window, reaching out my hand. “You have friends waiting. I have a shower calling me. The coffee was delicious. It was a pleasure meeting you.”

His hand envelops mine, and the sparks turn into a fan of flames. I can't seem to control my hormonal urges in his presence. “I'd like to see you again, Addy.”

“You would?”

“Don't look so surprised. I slipped my number into your bag. I really hope you use it.”

I'm tempted to climb through the window and straddle him. That mouth of his is begging to be kissed, and I'm a more than willing participant. But my social training kicks in, mentally reminding me of my place. “Be careful today, Josh.” 

I stand up from the car and head up the walk to my apartment. After a few steps, I stop to remove the stilettos from my feet. My body demands comfort now. I glance back and notice that Josh's pup truck is still idling, his gaze zeroed in on me.

“You're still here,” I mumble as a flush rushes across my cheeks. Great, did I just show off my ass on top of everything else?

“I'm making sure you get inside safely since you won't let me walk you up.” His smile widens. “That was one hell of a view, though.”

“Oh, crap. You didn't see anything, did you?”

Now he's laughing. The bastard. The sweet, hot-as-hell bastard. “Like I said, it was one hell of a view.”